NST Online » Local News
2007/10/30
Dewan Rakyat: Jerai MP apologises to Karpal
By : Reports by V.Vasudevan, Eileen Ng and R.S. Kamini

JERAI MP Datuk Badruddin Amiruldin has apologised to Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor), a week after causing a furore when he said that God had punished the opposition member for his arrogance by condemning him to a wheelchair.

Datuk Hasni Mohammad (BN-Pontian) was having the floor when Badruddin stood up and offered his apology.

“On Oct 22, I was arguing with Karpal and the words were uttered at the heat of the moment. In this month of Syawal, which teaches Muslims to forgive, I ask forgiveness from those hurt by the words. I sincerely apologise to everyone, including Bukit Gelugor,” he said.

However, Karpal was not in the House.

The move took everyone by surprise, as Badruddin had been adamant he would not apologise to Karpal.
Last Monday, an angry Badruddin had shouted to Karpal: “You are no better. Calling us (BN MPs) animals… you insult people. Now you are sitting in a wheelchair. God has punished you”.

Karpal had earlier remarked there was little hope of seeing courtesy and good manners in the House as long as backbenchers like Badruddin and Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) continued to behave they way they did.

Badruddin’s remarks caused a furore, with disabled groups calling for him to apologise and retract his statement.

He apologised two days later to the disabled, but refused to retract his statement or apologise to Karpal. Instead, he blamed Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) for twisting his statement.

“Actually, I am a very loving person. I even pushed his wheelchair when he celebrated his birthday in parliament.”

At the members’ lounge, Badruddin said he was not pressured by any party to apologise, but maintained he made the remarks upon provocation by the opposition.

“It was not my intention to hurt people’s feelings, especially Karpal. He is my friend.”

Met later, Karpal, who did not want to say whether he accepted the apology, said he hoped Badruddin was sincere.

“But it cannot erase the negative effect of his statement.

“I will forgive but will not forget,” he said, adding Badruddin should be more careful with his words.

N E W S

Parliament
Tuesday October 30, 2007

Badruddin says sorry to Karpal

At The Dewan Rakyat
Reports by ZULKIFLI A. RAHMAN, LEE YUK PENG, ELIZABETH LOOI AND FLORENCE A. SAMY

DATUK Badruddin Amiruldin (BN – Jerai) apologised to Karpal Singh (DAP – Bukit Gelugor) and the handicapped community for making an offensive remark against them in the Dewan last week.

The Jerai MP, who stood up during the debate on the Supply Bill 2008, said that as a Muslim, he should adhere to the good tidings of the Syawal month after celebrating Hari Raya and seek forgiveness.

“I would like to apologise to anyone who had been offended by my remark. Those words came up during a heated debate with Bukit Gelugor (Karpal Singh) recently.

“I’m a kind and loving person but I felt I was being provoked during the debate with Opposition members.

“I would also like to tender my sincerest apology to Bukit Gelugor,” he said.

Badruddin said Karpal Singh is also his friend, adding that he had even helped to push the veteran DAP MP’s wheelchair during a function held at Parliament House to celebrate Karpal Singh’s birthday.

Badruddin’s apology came about for calling Karpal Singh’s use of a wheelchair as “a punishment from God”, during a heated argument with him.

Karpal Singh was not in the House during Badruddin’s speech.

Met at the lobby later, Badruddin said he had made his apology as a Muslim and stressed that it was not due to any form of pressure.

“Since it’s the Syawal month, it’s the right time to seek forgiveness for the wrongs that we have made.

“I don’t want to offend anyone. I’m a caring person. Sometimes, tears well up in my eyes when I see a disabled person who had to be carried by his mother,” he added.

Asked if this meant that he would not repeat those words in the House in future, Badruddin replied: “Oh no, I cannot say this. I’m only human.”

Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the apology, Karpal Singh said: “His apology can’t erase the damage done by his statement.

“I hope his apology is sincere and he will not repeat it again. I can forgive but I cannot forget the incident.”

Stuck in one of the narrow aisles in the Filipino Market. This place is packed with stalls selling cultured pearl jewelleries and handicrafts. Enjoying myself in the cool sea breeze while Wuan and Rosalynn are shopping for souvenirs.

Mobile blogging/HP iPAQ 512

Sabahans are very hospitable people. This is evident from the bloggers meet that I just got back from. I had great fun getting to know some some really interesting bloggers from the Land Below The Wind and putting a face to the person behind the blog.

Thank you all for making time to attend the meet. I had a wonderful time. You have made our first trip to Kota Kinabalu even more memorable with you unreserved friendship.

Wuan and I would to extend special thanks Dee for organising this meet without which we would not have had the opportunity to experience this great Sabahan hospitality.

More updates with photos when we get back to Kuala Lumpur.

Mobile blogging/HP iPAQ 512

Wuan and I are enjoying Kota Kinabalu very much already, all thanks to Nico and Rosalynn who arranged for us to stay at The Pacific Sutera. We have not had the oppurtunity to explore the vast grounds ot the hotel and resort yet.

We got to watch the sun setting yesterday evening though, although very fleeting. I cannot remember the last time I watched a such an incredible sight. If only time could be frozen other than in photngraphs.

Mobile blogging/HP iPAQ 512